Describe a place you would like to visit: cue card and sample answer

Cue card

Describe a place in another country that you would like to visit.

You should say:

where it is
how you learned about it
what you would do there

and explain why you would like to go there.

You have one minute to prepare and should speak for one to two minutes.

Try it before you read the sample. Answer this card out loud with our AI examiner and get an estimated band.

Practise with the AI examiner

Sample answer

About 261 words, or roughly two minutes of speaking.

A place I'd love to visit one day is Kyoto, in Japan. It was the country's capital for over a thousand years, and it's famous for its temples, traditional wooden houses and beautiful gardens.

I first became interested in it after watching a travel documentary a few years ago. There was a scene filmed early in the morning at a bamboo forest on the edge of the city, and it looked so peaceful that I've wanted to see it with my own eyes ever since. Since then, I've read quite a lot about it and followed some travel bloggers who've been there.

If I went, I'd try to go in spring, during the cherry blossom season, even though it's the busiest time of year. I'd like to visit some of the old temples, walk through the historic districts where you can still see people in traditional dress, and try as much of the local food as possible. I'd also like to stay in a traditional inn, where you sleep on mats on the floor and eat breakfast in your room.

The main reason I'd like to go is that Kyoto seems to combine the old and the new in a way that's quite unique. Japan is known for its technology, but Kyoto has managed to preserve its history. I'm also fascinated by Japanese culture in general, especially the attention to detail in everything from food to gardens. It would be quite an expensive trip, so I'm saving up for it, but I'm hoping to go within the next couple of years.

Why this works: it covers every point on the card in order, gives specific details and a short story rather than general statements, and ends by explaining the feeling or reason, which the last line of the card asks for.

Useful vocabulary

see something with your own eyes: to see it yourself, in person
travel bloggers: people who write about their travels online
historic districts: old parts of a city
preserve: to keep something in its original state
attention to detail: great care with small things
save up for: to keep money for a future purchase

Rounding-off question

After you finish, the examiner may ask one short question, such as:

Do you think you will visit this place soon?

Part 3 questions: Tourism and travel

In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions linked to the cue card topic. Give an opinion, explain why, and add an example.

What are the negative effects of tourism on popular places?

Overcrowding is the most visible one; famous sites can become so busy that they're no longer enjoyable, and the local environment suffers from litter and pollution. There's also a cultural effect, where local shops are replaced by souvenir stores and chain restaurants aimed at visitors.

Should governments limit the number of tourists in famous places?

In some cases, I think they have to. Places like Venice have become so crowded that residents are moving away. Limiting numbers, for example with booking systems or higher entry fees, can protect both the site and the people who live there, even if it's unpopular with some visitors.

Now say it out loud

Reading a good answer helps, but speaking is what improves your band. This set includes this cue card, Part 1 questions on getting around and colours, and a Part 3 discussion.

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This sample answer was written by TestWise Prep to show language that scores well. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas, not to memorise, because examiners mark rehearsed answers down.